Refresh OAuth access tokens and update them in the token file
AI agents use google_oauth_refresh_tokens to create or update resources in Google MCP — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Google MCP environment.
This tool modifies (writes/updates) sensitive authentication tokens in persistent storage. While not destructive (tokens can be refreshed again), it changes authentication state and could affect subsequent API calls if corrupted or manipulated. The high severity reflects that token tampering could grant unauthorized access to all downstream Google services (Gmail, Calendar, Drive visible on this server).
From the tool's definition Tool name 'google_oauth_refresh_tokens' and description 'Refresh OAuth access tokens and update them in the token file' indicates modification of authentication credentials stored in a token file.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access google_oauth_refresh_tokens gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Google MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for google_oauth_refresh_tokens:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"google_oauth_refresh_tokens": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "google_oauth_refresh_tokens_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
} google_oauth_refresh_tokens stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
Free to start. No card required.
Refresh OAuth access tokens and update them in the token file. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Google MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Google MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for google_oauth_refresh_tokens: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Google MCP. Nothing to install.
google_oauth_refresh_tokens is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the google_oauth_refresh_tokens rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for google_oauth_refresh_tokens. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
google_oauth_refresh_tokens is provided by the Google MCP server (vakharwalad23/google-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Google MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
Free to start. No card required.
35 Google MCP tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.